Travel or study abroad at Australia, you can easily see lemon trees, oranges, tomatoes, herbs or fruit trees growing in the front garden or nature strip. Seeing ripe fruit, many people may think that just picking a few fruits to eat is no problem. But in Australia, you should not arbitrarily pick or take vegetables and fruits from someone else’s land.
Picking fruit without permission can be theft or trespassing
According to information reported by SBS, you cannot arbitrarily enter someone else’s property to take anything without permission. This applies even if you just want to pick a few lemons, oranges or vegetables. If you enter someone else’s property and take property without permission, this behavior may be considered trespassing or theft, depending on the circumstances and relevant laws. So if you’re walking in your neighborhood and see a fruit tree in front of your house: Don’t pick it. Please ask the landlord’s permission first.
What about the fruit growing on the roadside strip?
This is the point where international students and tourists can easily misunderstand. In Australia, the land between the road and the property line is often called a nature strip. The area is generally public land managed by the local government, but residents living on adjacent properties are often responsible for maintenance, such as mowing the lawn. That doesn’t mean you’re free to pick whatever grows on it. Regulations for growing trees, vegetables or fruit on nature strips may vary by local council. More importantly, if you want to pick vegetables in the area in front of a house, the safest way is still to ask permission from the person living there or the property owner.
What if the landlord allows it?
If your host agrees to let you pick some fruits or vegetables, that’s a different story. For example, there are families who grow too many lemons in the garden and actively leave a box of lemons in front of the house for neighbors or passersby to pick up. But you should not assume that: “Leaving it on the street means anyone can take it.” Only take when there are clear signs that the host is sharing or you have their permission. If you’re not sure, ask first. A simple sentence like: “Can I take a few lemons?” – Can I have some lemons? can help you avoid a very unnecessary situation.
International students and tourists should pay special attention to
In Australia, many rules in daily life may be different from Vietnam. An action that you think is “just taking a little” may still involve property ownership and land use rights. Especially if you are an international student or tourist, not understanding local regulations can turn a seemingly harmless action into a problem. So remember 3 simple rules:
1. Do not arbitrarily enter another person’s yard or land.
2. Do not arbitrarily pick or take vegetables and fruits from other people’s gardens.
3. If you want to take it, please ask permission first.
Want to grow your own vegetables? Try community garden
If you are living in Australia and want to grow your own vegetables, fruit trees or familiar vegetables in Vietnam, a community garden can be an interesting option. Community gardens often have areas for many people to grow plants together. Beginners can also learn how to till the soil, compost, care for plants, and harvest food. In addition to having fruit and vegetables to take home, this is also a way to meet locals, make friends and integrate into the Australian community. Some community gardens even host activities for children, families and other community groups.
Is a little fruit worth the risk?
The answer is no. If you see a lemon tree laden with fruit in front of someone else’s house, refrain from “handily” picking a few fruits. If you want to take it, ask for permission. If you’re not sure, don’t take it. This is one of the basic courtesy and principles that international students, workers and Vietnamese tourists should know when living or visiting Australia.
Source: SBS Vietnamese
